Steric bulk controls CO(2) absorption: N-substituted amino acid salts in poly(ethylene glycol) reversibly absorb CO(2) in nearly 1:1 stoichiometry. Carbamic acid is thought to be the absorbed form of CO(2) ; this was supported by NMR and in situ IR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. The captured CO(2) could be converted directly into oxazolidinones and thus CO(2) desorption could be sidestepped.